Then & Now

Then:

Summer 2011

And Now:

Summer 2012

Then:

Summer 2011

 And Now:

Summer 2012

And the way back Then:

Summer c.1999

 And Now:

Summer 2012



Road Trippin'

So we got ballsy and took a few mini-cations with the behbee. First stop was the cabin with Nana and Pop Pop:

Next up, we swung a drive to South Dakota to ensure that Mt. Rushmore was still standing (verdict? Yep, still there)

Things that are facts about traveling with a 6 month old...
1. There is simply no way on earth to travel light any longer. Kiss your days of a single backpack and possibly a duffel bag for a weekend trip goodbye. Just pray that your car holds enough crapola to last you 48 hours away from home base.

2. The cribs that motels provide look like the hospital cribs from the 1950's. You will get zero hours of continuous sleep because you will be sure your baby's preshus appendages will become mercilessly trapped in the Econolodge Crib of Death.

3. Children like these stupid penny horsie rides from a very, very young age.



4. The only good way to travel with a 6 month old includes this:

A little of that:

And possibly a little of this plus that:

Oh chill out I'm just kidding! The trips were fine, River did great, no one got inebriated. Relax. Sheesh.



A Boy and his Groceries

We've started the solids with a vengeance. So far we have the following:

1) Love bananas. Will eat an entire banana in one sitting, I crap you not.

2) Hate anything green (see peas and green beans.) Will. Not. Eat.

3) Likes being involved in the "spooning it into my mouth" procedure. Resulting in:

4) Makes the best bitter beer face when eating apples. He looks like me when I take cold medicine.

5) Mama likes making the baby food. The baby Brezza is the easier thing ever, and I've so far made all of River's foods myself. I like that I know what he's eating, I like that he's getting fresh food without preservatives or extra sugars for his first foods, and I really like how much money it will save us!

6) Eating solids causes something else to be more "solid" which in turn causes daddy to gag and dry heave during changes. Love.

7) Eating makes us sleepy.

Twenty Things a Mother Should Teach Her Son

My friend gave this to me and I wanted to share...

1. Be strong and tender at the same time.

 2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time, and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

 3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

  4. Save money when you're young because you'll need it some day.

 5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

  8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. You will set the tone for sexual relationships, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you

Big Stuff

Recent developments:

There was some cousin/Uncle/Aunt love with a visit from Dan and his fam. Things we learned:
1. A toddler + A baby = Noisy
2.  River likes to pull girls' hair.
3. 20 month olds don't necessarily appreciate having to share their toys with "the baby".
4. "The Baby" will cry when whacked by a toy that was asked to be shared.

Mama turned 27! I think Nick's going to have to trade me in for a shiny, younger version...

Little Man is getting his first fangs! There's two little tooth buds poking through on his bottom gum. He's been a tiny bit cranky/whiney, but if he hadn't chomped Pop Pop on just the right angle to show off the pointy little shard we probably wouldn't have noticed.

First pool experience was a hit.

He floats!

And we've officially started solids. Sweet Potatoes are on the menu, and the boy likey.

When You're Big...

I'll miss the way your head smells like powder and milk.

I'll miss the way you slowly wake up from a nap - rubbing your eyes, snuggling in, and usually falling asleep for another ten minutes.

I'll miss the way you kick and splash in the bath, soaking me, the floor, the tub, the door, the hallway...

I'll miss the way you fold in your entire body in on what you want to chew on, Venus-fly-trap-style.

I'll miss the way you wake up at night for nothing else other than to be with me.

I'll miss the way you suck in air to make your high pitched happy squeal.

I'll miss the way you blabber on walks, like you're naming every plant and animal you see.

I'll miss the way you laugh out loud when your daddy messes with you.

I'll miss the way your chubby belly hangs over your diaper, and your chunky thighs stick out like little stumps.

I'll miss the way you squeak, smile, and cry, all while completely fast asleep.

I'll miss the way you go from the most serious look into a sudden huge, gummy smile.

I'll miss the way you grunt and pant while 'working out' during tummy time.

I'll miss the way you talk to yourself in the mirror while you sit in your Bumbo as I get ready in the morning.

I'll miss the way your whole face lights up when I walk in the room.

I'll miss the way you need me.

But maybe, just a little bit, you still will.

Because, even when you're big, I'll always need you.

5 months

5 months?! That can't be right. There's no way that this:

Has become this:

Read on while I wallow in my denial...

Weight: 15.5 lbs

Clothing: 6 month size

Likes:
Walks. Seriously, I could set this child's crib and toys outside and he'd probably live there. The boy likes his outside time.

The words "Okaly Dokaly" and "Nasty". Don't know why, can't explain it, but he laughs every time we say it.

Pop Pop. They spend the day together every weekday, taking walks, hanging on the "Tumbling Mat" (aka - the activity mat), laughing at the dog, reading books, and drinking bottles. Lots and lots of bottles.

Chewing. Chewing on hands, finger, toes, toys...we're not picky.

Board books. Specifically books with pictures of other babies or faces. Next up: War & Peace.

Baths. We've graduated to the Big Boy Bathtub, and now take baths in our 2" of warm water where we can kick, splash, and pee to our heart's delight.

Empty plastic cups. Chewable. Droppable. Makes interesting hollow sounds when screeched into. What's NOT to love?!

Nana. She loves on us, tells us how adorable we are, buys us super cute clothes, and lets us do anything and everything we want to do. Everyone needs a Nana.

Dislikes:
Not much. Tired or hungry gets some whines, but that's about it. We got a mellow boy, I dare say...